The TARGET platform embodies the TARGET Learning Process, which takes a strong approach of “learning by doing” or “active learning”, such as Problem Based Learning (PBL). However, the aim of TARGET is not to define a radically novel learning process, but to leverage the five elements of the Integrative Framework to support the rapid personalized competence development of individuals.
The TARGET Platform is based on client-server architecture, where each phase of the TARGET learning process is supported by a set of well-defined services embodied into server components, which are integrated together to form the backend of the TARGET platform. The front-end of the TARGET platform is geared towards a relatively thin client, which manages the flow supporting the TARGET learning process and provides interfaces for the different components. Although not evident in the diagram, the TARGET Learning Community plays an important role in the TARGET learning process, namely with regards to the reflection phase. The community will contribute to the formalization of emerging behaviours in the form of patterns (and anti-patterns) to support successful competence development, thereby facilitating the process of knowledge management. This is achieved through the support of the TARGET platform, which creates knowledge assets based on Stories, capturing each learner’s experience to be shared amongst the wider community. As such, a knowledge asset matures over time through group processes that include being annotated by both learners and mentors (externalisation). Next, the asset is refined through analysis of its elements, followed by integration of different viewpoints, and re-annotation. All content generated becomes part of the infrastructure, being easily accessible, open, and modifiable. However, in some cases, the ownership of knowledge restricts the scope of accessibility and TARGET supports the necessary security model to foment the trust of organizations and individuals. The TARGET platform provides the TARGET Learning Community with a set of social tools and services.
